I must have explained myself badly. I meant what you've said. I'd put my short story out for free, on its own with a few chapters of this current book thrown in at the end. "If you liked this story, here's the novel". It's a great idea, and one that I think i first read on this forum. Or perhaps it was Kindleboards. (I don't have the short story yet, but I could write one quite quickly. The outline is already forming in my head).

I certainly know it's hard competing for your custom with the free books that are out there.

I have no idea what Hal Spacejock is, so I'd better check that out. I might like it!

And thanks, I hope you enjoy the sample - but that you'll let me know either way. It's sobering to run into negative comments after a good run of positive feedback. But every drunkard needs his strong black coffee now and then!